Each year, the Group recognises organisations or individuals who have made a significant contribution to improving cycling provision in Derby.
Past award winners are:
2019
Leigh Timmis spent 7 years cycling the world on a budget. He came to appreciate the ‘kindness of strangers’ during that time. On his return he started training and last year broke the record for the fastest cycle ride across Europe from Portugal to Russia. This year Leigh has been working with Cycle Derby’s Mark Smith to promote Sustrans’ The Big Pedal, an on line walking, cycling and scooting challenge. He spent weeks visiting over half of Derby’s primary schools talking about his adventures and the benefits of cycling. Leigh is an advocate for how being physically active and cycling can positively impact on your mental well-being. Leigh shows what you can do when you live your dreams, and confront your fears. Leigh Timmis, you are an inspiration to Derby cyclists.
Ken Timmis receives award on behalf of his son Leigh
Sarah Martin-Smith proves that ‘This Girl really Can’. 13 years ago Sarah was a total coach potato, who struggled to run round the block, let alone cycle to work. Next month Sarah is off to Transylvania to represent Great Britain in the European off road duathlon championships i.e. cross country running and mountain biking. Sarah started by doing some jogging, joined Derwent Runners and entered a 5k Race for Life, then she started to cycle the 9 mile round trip to the secondary school where she still works in Derby. In 2012 she first represented GB at triathlon in Holland coming in the top 20. She has taken up cyclocross and came 3rd in 2017 and 2nd in 2018 in the Notts and Derby league. Sarah is an inspiration to her school students and all who know her that with hard work and dedication you can achieve the amazing. Sarah Martin-Smith, you are an inspiration to Derby cyclists.
Dave Clasby presenting award to Sarah Martin-Smith
2016
David Turner was presented with an award in recognition of his many years of outstanding services to cycling in Derby, which included the creation of the original Derby Cycle Map over 25 years ago.
2015
Derbyshire County Council were given a special award for the construction of the Phase 2 Breadsall Greenway. Jenny Southwell (Greenways Officer) attended the meeting to receive the award on behalf of Derbyshire County Council.
2014
Bowmer & Kirkland were given a special award for their contribution to cycling safety arising from their organisation of the Changing Places Day in 2013. Sarah Millington attended the meeting to receive the award on behalf of Bowmer & Kirkland.
2012
Cycle Derby for services to cycling with young people. They have made a massive contribution to increasing cycling in Derby for everyone.
Vegetable Pedallers, an inspiring cycle delivery business based at Soundbites Wholefood shop.
John Palmer, a founder member of Derby Cycling Group and who, for last 21 years, has been the group’s treasurer. A true inspiration.
2011
The first award will go to Tommy Cheng from highways contractor A-one+, working on behalf of the Highways Agency on the Raynesway Park junction alterations, and the construction teams from Weldon Plant Ltd and Volker Fitzpattrick Ltd. The award is in recognition of the contractors’ work keeping all the cycle facilities in the area open throughout the construction period and their prompt response to problems as they arose. Tony Roelich from Derby Cycling Group (DCG) said “This complex project was always going to cause disruption, but DCG insisted that the busy cycle commuter routes along the riverside path and Raynesway remain open at all times. Whilst it was a team approach from A-one+, we wanted to acknowledge the great work that Tommy Cheng did keeping the routes available and ensuring any problems were dealt with quickly and properly, and the friendly help the contractors gave to many people passing through the area.”
The second award is to Connecting Derby and will be collected on behalf of the team by Dave Powner, Head of Special projects and Christine Durrant, Director of Planning and Facilities Management. Dave Clasby from DCG said “As a group we opposed in principle the building of the inner ring road. However once the decision was taken we wanted to ensure the best possible facilities for cyclists. Dave Powner and his team were always receptive to our comments and suggestions. It was clear from the start that they wanted the best for walkers and cyclists. They were always happy to listen to ideas and many of them were then incorporated into the actual design. We had initial consultations with Dave and his team and a number of on site visits. We believe that together we have helped to create some of the best cycling facilities in the city. It is an example of best practice for working with stakeholder groups.”
The third award is to Stan Werbinski. It is a personal award to Stan. This award is for the 30 plus years of service that Stan has given to the City of Derby and in particular its younger cyclists. It is not overstating things to say that Stan is a bit of a legend in the city. For years he personally developed and delivered a lot of the cycle training for young people in the city. It was under Stan’s watch that Derby started to apply for national projects to support cycling in the city. The first was the Sustrans Bike It project and then the big step forward when Derby became a Cycling Demonstration Town and Cycle Derby was created also now working with the CTC and British Cycling. With Stan we saw Derby adopt the National Standard Bikeability cycle training programme. Derby now has has a National and European reputation for excellence in its cycling training. Dave Clasby from DCG said “For many of us he is simply Stan The Man. Stan has been a tyreless(!) supporter and advocate for cycling and walking in the city. His passion and enthusiasm are infectious. You just don’t forget meeting Stan Werbinski. Derby cyclists owe him a huge debt of gratitude for all his years of service for Derby City Council. Thank you Stan.”